With the popularity of pork meat growing across the country, talks are underway to build a second piggery near Narrandera.
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The Pig Improvement Company (PIC) owned piggery at Grong Grong, intends to expand its operation in the region as soon as possible, according to Sunpork group chief executive and managing director Robert van Barneveld.
It follows an initial $2.8 million development application for the livestock-keeping establishment, which was lodged with Wagga City Council in 2013 and later withdrawn.
Five years on, the “highly successful” genetics company confirmed it was in the consultation phase of a renewed plan to lodge a second proposal.
Dr van Barneveld said the fresh farm – built within 10 kilometres of the current sheds – would allow the company to optimise its breeding program.
The intensive grower facility, at 240 Flanagans Road in Matong, would be home to more than 11,000 pigs, according to the original proposal. This number could reach more than 13,000 under the alleged $10 million application to come.
Each sow would then produce piglets, to be raised until they were of a profitable age.
“It was a preliminary application in 2013,” Dr van Barneveld said. “Once a new development application has been approved – providing it complies with all the regulations and policies – we would like to have it operational within a year.”
The move follows heavy opposition to the proposed Blantyre Farms piggery at Harden in 2016, with the controversial farm attracting a staggering 2000 local council submissions.
But Dr van Barneveld said initial talks with farmers neighbouring the proposed area – previously purchased by PIC – had been positive.
The company’s group chief executive said the move would create an additional 25 jobs.
“It’s a good thing for the region,” Dr van Barneveld said. “It’s a relatively low impact project with benefits that will spread.”